IoT and ubiquitous connectivity
In the short time since its inception in 1999, the Internet of Things (IoT) has managed to connect objects, machines, and the people behind them, in an unprecedented manner.
The ‘things’ that comprise this system have been ambiguously named for a reason: they encompass not only, for instance, animals in national parks who have been tagged with tracking chips, but also internet-connected security cameras, and heart-monitoring pacemakers. The Internet of Things (or IoT, for short) allows humans to better understand the world around us and the objects that we use, through the generation of an increased ability to monitor systems and to acquire information.
The Internet of Things is actually a term for the simple system of interconnected computers, machines, objects, people and even animals that have unique digital identities and are able to communicate data over a network (like the Internet) in a manner that requires no human input or manipulation. In this way, the Internet of Things is automatic and self-perpetuating, which has resulted in a mass amount of unstructured data generated by machines.
Each ‘thing’ in the Internet of Things is assigned an IP address, which serves as an identifier. This enables it to send data over a network. The first appliance connected to the internet was a soda machine at Carnegie Mellon University in the 1980s. Programmers were able to connect to the machine using the internet and check the availability of drinks. Now, many more objects with IP addresses are able to send all kinds of data regarding location, status of machinery, and information concerning the use of objects to users and organizations determined to innovate.
Originally, computers relied on humans for the input of information. All of the data on the internet at its inception was generated and made available by human beings through the inefficient processes of picture-taking, recording, scanning, and typing. With data generated by machines, the limitations of time and accuracy previously extant in human-propelled systems information systems no longer exist. The Internet of Things, powered by automation and computers, is continually growing, and is expected to become significantly more massive as an increasing number of devices, like home power and thermostats, parking meters, and automobile sensors, are modified to be monitored and controlled remotely.
But, what’s the big deal?
Why does increasing access to information matter in this context?
Access to this amount of data, which can be analyzed and manipulated to generate insights and drive improvements, is unique in human history. The ease of data collection and amount of information available makes the advent of the IoT uniquely able to support innovation. By being able to sense and control devices remotely, the physical world is able to be made more digital and become a cyber-physical system. In this way, the IoT has the potential to become more accurate and efficient in absence of fallible human intervention.
The Internet of Things is not without its pitfalls and potential dangers. Data privacy, sovereignty, and security all are issues raised by the increasing amount of and access to information on the internet. At the University of Michigan, computer researchers were able to hack into IoT-connected “smart” traffic lights and gain control of over 100 intersections in a single town. This notable case of the hijacking of devices connected to IoT is a clear demonstration of the risks involved in making the world and its devices more connected, and thus, more susceptible to external influences. The increasing number of smaller companies becoming involved in IoT may not have the resources required to adequately protect their users’ information through the use of strong security models.
In healthcare, IoT is referred to as IoMT, the Internet of Medical Things. Medical devices and applications can now connect to information technology systems in healthcare using Wi-Fi and machine-to-machine communication. The IoMT is able to assist medical care providers in the monitoring of patients and their conditions remotely (called telemedicine), measuring vital signs mechanically at bedside, tracking medication orders, and managing patient inflow at hospitals. Telemedicine can help patients communicate more with their physicians without needing to be physically present with their doctor, or in a hospital. For people with chronic conditions or in resource-limited settings, this can be a significant improvement to current care and systems of treatment.
Because health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, ensuring that the information generated and passed through the Internet of Medical Things is secured, is essential in ensuring the future development of this technology. If able to be adequately protected, the information generation and sharing enabled by the IoMT has the potential to change the way physicians monitor health, obtain emergency notifications, and manage medication needs. Recently, healthtech companies have begun to incorporate the Internet of Things into the creation of prosthetic limbs that monitor muscle group electricity. Across fields and disciplines, the Internet of Things is disrupting industry and is poised to grow exponentially larger as the trend of online incorporation grows.
By:
Corey Orndoff
corndorff@minerva.kgi.edu
Illustrations by:
Kamal Teja
kamal.teja247@gmail.com
